Rep. Tara Peters

Maddy summaryHB 2748 requires all elementary school students (including those in alternative programs and with disabilities, as appropriate under disability laws) to participate in at least 60 minutes daily of supervised moderate physical activity starting in the 2026-27 school year. It also mandates a minimum 20-minute daily recess in elementary schools and allows middle school students to meet activity requirements through 225 minutes weekly of physical activity. The bill establishes a state recognition program for schools showing fitness improvements and permits districts to meet requirements through recess, physical education, or approved activities. These changes directly affect public school districts, students, and physical education staff across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 2304 requires schools to obtain written or electronic parental consent before making specific changes to a child's Individualized Education Program (IEP), including initial placements, placement changes, removal of services, or service minute changes exceeding 25%. It directly affects parents of students with disabilities and local school districts (LEAs), mandating they use a standardized consent form that includes options for full consent, refusal, or partial consent. The bill also requires schools to document consent dates and provide dispute resolution options if parents and schools disagree on IEP changes. Schools must allow parents to visit proposed programs before consenting and notify parents of conduct-related IEP changes per federal rules. The law takes effect July 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 3262 establishes the "Interstate Massage Compact," creating a multistate licensing program for massage therapists to practice across participating states with a single license, eliminating the need for separate state applications. The Compact sets up an Interstate Commission to manage the program, share disciplinary and licensing information between states, and maintain safety standards for public access to massage therapy services. It directly affects licensed massage therapists seeking to work across state lines, military families relocating, and the states that adopt the Compact. The policy change simplifies licensing for therapists while ensuring states retain oversight authority over practice standards.

Maddy summaryHJR 115 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a property tax exemption for Missouri disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. It defines a "disabled veteran" as a Missouri resident honorably separated from military service with a 100% VA-certified service-connected disability, and a "homestead" as their primary residence (not exceeding 2.5 acres). The exemption would apply to real property used as a primary home, excluding portions rented for more than six months annually. This amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 general election and would replace the current property tax exemption provisions in Missouri's constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Missouri's social work licensing laws by creating new license categories for baccalaureate and advanced macro social workers, distinct from the existing clinical and master social worker licenses. The legislation defines specific scopes of practice for each license type, allowing baccalaureate and advanced macro social workers to provide nonclinical services like case management, community organization, and policy development, while prohibiting them from diagnosing mental disorders or providing psychotherapy without direct supervision from a licensed clinical social worker. It also establishes supervision requirements, mandating that supervisors complete specialized training and maintain a minimum of three years of practice experience. These changes aim to formalize career pathways for social workers with bachelor's and master's degrees who focus on macro-level practice rather than direct clinical treatment.

Maddy summaryHB 2370 requires health insurance plans in the state to cover self-administered hormonal contraceptives (like birth control pills or patches) for up to 90 days (or 180 days for generic versions) starting January 1, 2026, and for up to one year starting January 1, 2027. The coverage must include both generic and brand-name options and cannot impose higher deductibles or co-payments than other standard health services. This bill specifically excludes emergency contraception and medications used to terminate pregnancy from its requirements. It directly affects health insurance plans and individuals using these contraceptive methods by expanding coverage duration and cost-sharing rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1961 creates new provisions to simplify dietitian licensure in Missouri for certain individuals. It allows dietitians licensed in another state (or military branch) with at least one year of experience to apply for a Missouri license without retaking exams or meeting additional education requirements. The bill specifically waives all license requirements for military spouses (both nonresident and resident) who apply for licensure in Missouri, provided they meet other basic criteria. This directly affects military-connected dietitians relocating to Missouri and out-of-state dietitians seeking licensure in Missouri.

Maddy summaryHJR 119 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how judges are selected in Missouri. It would require the governor to appoint judges from three nominees provided by a nonpartisan judicial commission for vacancies in the supreme court, court of appeals, and St. Louis city/Jackson County circuit courts. For other judicial circuits, voters would decide at elections whether to adopt this appointment method (instead of the current system) or maintain the existing process, with changes allowed only once every four years. The amendment must be approved by voters in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2371 requires health insurance plans that cover maternity to include coverage for a home blood pressure monitoring device and related services (like training, data tracking, and provider review) for pregnant and postpartum women. This applies to plans issued, renewed, or continued in the state after January 1, 2027. The bill defines the device as a clinically validated mobile tool and specifies that "home blood pressure monitoring device services" include patient education, daily blood pressure tracking, and treatment adjustments based on data shared with providers. It directly affects pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in such health plans, ensuring they receive covered access to this monitoring tool and support. The law mandates this coverage as a specific benefit under maternity plans, effective in 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1962 modifies Missouri's limits on selling or purchasing drugs containing ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, or pseudoephedrine (common in cold medications). It sets specific daily, monthly, and annual purchase limits: 3.6 grams per 24 hours, 7.2 grams per 30 days, and 61.2 grams per year for the same individual. The bill requires these drugs to be sold only behind pharmacy counters by licensed staff and mandates pharmacies to report sales to a tracking system. It directly affects pharmacies, pharmacists, and individuals purchasing these specific drug products.